The GupTa Lab
The Team:
Research in our lab ranges from developing novel mass spectrometric method development to understanding mechanistic nuances of cell signaling. Accordingly, we have an extremely diverse group of scientists who bring orthogonal expertise to the lab. Together, we address the questions at hand in a collaborative manner.
Kallol Gupta
Assistant Professor of Cell Biology
Nanobiology Institute
PhD Indian Institute of Science (2013)
Fellow of the 1851 Royal Commission, Oxford University (2013)
kallol(dot)gupta(at)yale(dot)edu
Initially trained as a chemist, I was introduced to the world of biology through the aquatic route, where my goal was to uncover the molecular diversity present in the venoms of marine cone snails and understand how it impairs the functions of key ion channels and transporters. This introduced and made me fascinated about the world of membrane proteins.
I subsequently moved to the University of Oxford as a Fellow of the 1851 Royal Commission. Here, my research led to a transformative advancement that enabled top-down mass spectrometric (MS) analysis of membrane protein-lipid complexes. Application of this approach yielded atomistic understanding of how lipids act as a key signaling molecule to regulate structural and functional organization of membrane proteins.
In the Fall of 2018, I crossed the pond to start my own lab in Yale. Combining native mass spectrometry with an array of orthogonal experimental and computational approaches, our lab is focused on developing platforms that enable quantitative analysis of macromolecular protein complexes directly from the cellular environment. Applying this, the lab aims to understand how spatiotemporal organization of membrane protein interactomes regulate cellular physiology.
When I am not in the lab, you shall me find me in some hiking trail.
Aniruddha Panda
Postdoctoral Researcher
PhD National Centre for Biological Sciences (2019)
aniruddha(dot)panda(at)yale(dot)edu
I am developing a novel platform that enables direct detection of membrane protein from the lipid bilayer. Using this approach, I am investigating how hierarchical organization of the SNARE and SNARE associated proteins in synaptic vesicle regulate fast neurotransmitter release.
I did my PhD in 2019 from National Centre for Biological Sciences, TIFR, Bangalore under the supervision of Prof. Raghu Padinjat. During this period, I have performed the biochemical analysis of Phospholipase D in lipid homeostasis in Drosophila melanogaster.
I enjoy playing football when I'm not immersed in experiments.
Caroline Brown
PhD Candidate
caroline(dot)brown(at)yale(dot)edu
I am a graduate student interested in method development of nativeMS to study challenging biological problems. During my PhD, I aim to develop a top-down nativeMS platform for analysis of membrane protein complexes directly from their native membrane vesicles. This will effectively yield a “snapshot” of membrane protein assemblies in their most physiologically relevant forms. It is my hope that development of this transformative technology will expand our understanding of MP interactomes in a wide variety of biological contexts. When I’m not in lab, you can find me exploring the New England area in search of the perfect cup of coffee, cooking up new recipes, or browsing the local craft store for my latest DIY project!
I studied biology and biochemistry at Villanova University, and conducted a post-baccalaureate fellowship at the NIH. Here, I studied protein and membrane trafficking events at the cellular level. I now want to explore cellular cargo transport in refined, granular detail. Specifically, I am using innovative new technologies to decipher the intra-membrane organization of a troublesome oncogenic protein, hoping to decipher how the oily environment of the plasma membrane alters its behavior and suite of interaction partners. When I'm not in the lab, I can be found trail running and fishing.
Gerard Walker
Ph.D. Student
gerard(dot)walker(at)yale(dot)edu
I studied biochemistry at UCLA before joining Yale as a graduate student in 2020. In my undergrad lab, I worked on the mechanism of sortase, a bacterial pilin polymerase. My current projects include a joint advisorship between Dr. Bhattacharyya and Dr. Gupta to investigate the oligomerization of Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BtK) on the membrane and optimize structural and functional assays in the context of the native membrane. My free time is spent reading, playing tennis, or hiking around New Haven.
Rachel McAllister
Ph.D. Student
rachel(dot)mcallister(at)yale(dot)edu
Wonhyeuk Jung
Postdoctoral Researcher
wonhyeuk(dot)jung(at)yale(dot)edu
I did my master's at USC and PhD at UCLA, Joe Loo Lab, both majoring in Biochemistry with a focus on gene expression at the former and mass spectrometry-based structural analysis at the latter. My interest lies in the structural analysis of membrane proteins in their native lipid bilayer environment with a specific focus on how the structural effect of lipid and/or ligand interactions can be effectively determined and utilized for more targeted drug development. When not in the lab I jog regularly (my 5th half-marathon is taking place soon!) and work out at the gym. I also deeply enjoy cooking for myself and for other people
I am a trained chemist and have a PhD degree from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, India. In my PhD, I developed peptide-based hydrogel for ceasing emergency bleeding. In the Gupta Lab, my aim is to synthesize a new molecule that can scoop out a target membrane protein from the endogenous lipid bilayer, with precise spatial resolution and without losing its associated lipid molecules. In my free time, I play online chess or read books.
Snehasish Ghosh
Postdoctoral Researcher
snehasish(dot)ghosh(at)yale(dot)edu
Justin A Knapp
Postbacularate Researcher
justin(dot)knapp(at)yale(dot)edu
I’m Justin, and I am a postgraduate associate in the Gupta Lab. I graduated from Yale College in 2019 with a degree in psychology. I have a keen interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying certain human diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. In the lab, my current work focuses on developing a novel lipidomic pipeline that can render a quantitative distribution of lipids in the cell with nanometer-scale spatial resolution. Outside the lab, I can usually be found on a tennis court practicing my serve or out in New Haven, exploring some of the incredible restaurants here.
I am an undergraduate studying Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, with plans to attend medical school after graduation. My previous research has involved developing more robust and efficient methods of membrane protein pulldown and purification for various downstream analyses. Now, I am working to use these methods to better study the structure and localization of key membrane proteins. Outside of my studies, I enjoy playing video games and traveling to different cities with friends
Ziad Hassan
Undergraduate Researcher
Ziad(dot)hassan(at)yale(dot)edu
Keerthana is a sophomore at Yale College. She is working on endogenous organelle-specific pulldown of membrane proteins from mammalian cells for lipidomics analysis.
Keerthana Chari
Undergraduate Researcher
Keerthana(dot)chari(at)yale(dot)edu
PAST MEMBERS
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Anushka Halder
Postbacularate Researcher (2018-2020)
Msc: University of Oxford(2016)
Current position: NYU Graduate School
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Dr Fabian Giska